Members of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 hosted their counterparts from Japan Maritime Self-Protection Drive (JMSDF) Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 81 throughout Raijin 22-2, as a part of an annual unit change, Sept. 21-22. Raijin 22-2, named for the Japanese god of lightning, thunder, and storms, consisted of a present and transient change, group discussions, static shows, and rider embark flight. VQ-1 and VQ-81 proceed a historical past of cooperation that spans nearly three many years. Bilateral exchanges enhance tactical abilities and the interoperability between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy.

“VQ-1 and VQ-81 have an extended historical past of cooperation and mission success and I’m extremely honored to proceed this distinctive and helpful partnership,” stated Cmdr. Nick Bullard, VQ-1 commanding officer. “This chance to be taught and practice collectively face-to-face is invaluable and extra vital than ever.”

Commercial

US Navy Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VQ-1) Lockheed EP-3E Aries (Airborne Reconnaissance Built-in Digital System) II plane. (U.S. Navy picture by Dan Rachal, NTAG Portland Public Affairs)

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VQ-1) is an aviation unit of america Navy established on 1 June 1955. Its function is aerial reconnaissance and alerts intelligence. The squadron is nicknamed the “World Watchers” and relies at NAS Whidbey Island, flying Lockheed EP-3E Aries II plane. VQ-1 is a part of Commander, Job Drive 72. Based mostly out of Whidbey Island, Washington, the “World Watchers” are presently working from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts naval operations as a part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. seventh Fleet space of operations.

The Lockheed EP-3 is an digital alerts reconnaissance variant of the P-3 Orion, operated by america Navy. The plane is understood by the acronym ARIES, or “Airborne Reconnaissance Built-in Digital System”. and has Indicators intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities. SIGINT is the interception of alerts, whether or not communications between folks (communications intelligence—abbreviated to COMINT) or from digital alerts in a roundabout way utilized in communication (digital intelligence—abbreviated to ELINT). The EP-3E typically has a crew of 24, together with linguists, cryptographers and technicians.

US Navy Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VQ-1) Participate in Raijin 22-2
Members of Japan Maritime Self-Protection Drive Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 81 and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 pose for a bunch picture in entrance of a US Navy EP-3 throughout Raijin 22-2, an annual unit change. Based mostly out of Whidbey Island, Washington, the VQ-1 “World Watchers” are presently working from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Navy picture by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Glenn Slaughter)